Snake Bite Piercings

Snake bite piercings are a set of two lower lip piercings – one on either side. This type of lip piercing is very popular and it is easy to see why. It looks gorgeous, is quick to heal and suits almost everyone.

Snakebite piercings are usually done at the same time and they are pierced in the same way as a single lip piercing. The piercing will first mark-up the placement and use a clamp to hold the lip firmly. They will then pierce one snake bite at a time, inserting the initial jewellery as they go. Initial jewellery for snake bites piercings can be either ball closure rings or labret studs, both of which have their advantages. Whichever initial jewellery you choose for your snake bites, made sure that there is room to accommodate swelling. Most lip piercing swell a little at first and if the initial jewellery is not big enough to accommodate the swelling, this can cause problems. You piercer should be able to answer any questions you have about snake bite piercings and advise you on suitable jewellery.

Once your snakebites are healed you can choose between BCRs, labret studs, smooth segment rings and even body spirals. These piercings are usually quick to heal and are relatively easy to care for.

Snake Bite Piercing Risks

Like all lip piercings, snake bite piercings are usually quick to heal and easy to look after. This is because the mouth and lips receive a good blood supply and generally heal quickly. As with all piercings, it is important to care for them properly during healing and beyond. Snake bite piercings include two separate piercings, so in a way your body will have to do twice as much to heal them. That is not to say that snakebites hurt twice as much or take twice as long to heal, but remember that your body is dealing with two fresh piercings. This means that it is extra important to keep your snake bites clean and healthy, so that they can heal well.

Leave Room For Swelling

Most lip piercings will swell a little in the two days after piercing. This is completely normal and will go away, but it is important to make sure your jewellery has enough room to accommodate any swelling. Labret studs should have a few millimetres extra room and BCRs must not be tight to the skin. If there is not enough room, your piercings could be very sore, migrate, become infected or refuse to heal. Your piercer will advise you on appropriate jewellery but if your snake bite piercings become very sore, tight or bleed in the days after piercing, go back to the piercing studio to swap for longer jewellery.

Clean Inside & Out

It is very important to keep both sides of your piercings clean. Use a cotton bud to clean the outside of your snake bite piercings with Saline Solution and use a Medicated Mouthwash to rinse your whole mouth. I recommend purchasing a mouthwash specifically designed for oral piercings and rinsing at least twice a day. You will also need to use the mouthwash after eating and drinking. I also recommend using mouthwash if you experience any irritation after healing is finished.

Watch Out For Your Teeth & Gums

As with all oral piercings, snake bites carry the risk of damaging your teeth and gums. Biting down on metal piercing jewellery can chip your teeth and if the back your piercing rubs against your gums it can push back the edge of the gum, leading to gum recession. Both of these problems are serious but can be avoided with the right jewellery. The most important thing is to check your mouth regularly Ã¢â‚¬â€œ if you think your piercing jewellery is causing damage speak to your piercer or dentist.

The best way to avoid both types of damage is to wear softer jewellery. MediLabs Labret Studs have a soft backplate that is less likely to damage your mouth, while Bioplast Labret Studs greatly reduce the risk of mouth damage. They are very soft yet durable, so they wonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t rub against your gums or chip your teeth.

Jewellery for Snake Bites Piercings

As mentioned above there are a few types of jewellery that you can wear in snake bite piercings Ã¢â‚¬â€œ labret studs, ball closure rings, smooth segment rings, body spirals and circular barbells. Labret studs are the most compact type of snake bite jewellery, because they do not protrude and are less likely to get caught on clothing, but any of theses types of jewellery are suitable. Always make sure that your jewellery is the right size and is not damaging your mouth. If you are unsure about what sort of jewellery to wear in your snake bite piercings, always consult a professional piercer for advice.